President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been featured among the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health of 2026, in recognition of his Administration’s sweeping tobacco control measures and public health reforms.

TIME Magazine placed President Dr Muizzu in the “Titans” category, alongside thirteen other global figures recognised for making a significant impact in the health sector.

In its profile, the publication highlighted the Maldives’ introduction of a generational smoking ban, making it the first country in the world to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after January 2007. The measures also included a ban on the import, sale and use of vapes and e-cigarettes.

TIME also noted that while the Administration has faced criticism in some quarters over the scope of its reforms, it has paired regulatory action with expanded public health support. These include the establishment of free tobacco cessation clinics across all inhabited islands and the launch of a free 24-hour mental health helpline in 2026.

In addition, the magazine highlighted another major milestone achieved by the Maldives: becoming the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, a landmark accomplishment in public health.

Since assuming office in 2023, President Dr Muizzu has consistently placed health sector reform at the forefront of Government policy, with a focus on preventive care, public awareness and landmark anti-tobacco measures.